Clean Water Cottage
Northern Neck, Virginia

2005 Architecture
size: 2,800 sf

Sited on a wooded piece of land that overlooks Hull Creek and the Potomac River, this small house was designed to embrace its surroundings. Generous windows are located to open up to beautiful sunrises while also providing passive solar gain in the cooler months. Tall spaces with sloped ceilings make for a dynamic interior while aiding natural ventilation for shoulder season cooling. A curved steel and wood stair connects an open mezzanine and office space with the living room below. A butterfly roof catches rainwater which is stored and filtered for use instead of well water.

Sustainbly-harvested cedar is used for siding, decks, and a screened porch. Modern detailing meant simpler finishes and that less material was required. Sustainable features include bamboo floors, a colored concrete thermal mass, painted Hardie board siding and a well-insulated shell. The house is raised on piers to facilitate airflow and minimize site disturbance. The architect and owner were intimately involved in siting the house to remove the least amount of trees - creating a place that enjoys the woods in which it is nestled.